Adopting an Animal
Adoption Process
Step 1: Adoption Questionnaire : Dog Questionnaire, Cat Questionnaire, Special Species Questionnaire
Step 2: Submit Application by email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and Have a Conversation
(Conversations are completed between 11am-5pm Tuesday-Saturday and 11am- 4pm Sunday over the phone)
Step 3: Meet and Greet
Step 4: Finalizing the Adoption
When you adopt a new family member from our shelter or network community retail partners such as select Pet Valu and PetSmart locations within Durham Region you are saving a life of a cat, dog or other animal. We'd be delighted to help you make the right match and adopt an animal!
Owning a pet means providing essentials such as a balanced diet, litter, licensing, socialization and vaccinations. It is important to remember providing a home and care for a pet is a big commitment. The HSDR's step-by-step adoption process guides you through what you need to know about adoption and if adoption is the right fit for you. We help you through each step to complete an adoption, from meeting with adoption staff and learning about you and your lifestyle to meeting your new best friend.
If you are interested in adopting one of our animals please fill out a questionnaire. Once you have completed the adoption questionnaire, please email it to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and a team member will contact you to set up a phone interview. When finalizing an adoption, you will need to bring a valid photo ID and proof of address. For more information please contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..